$33.5m of Christchurch Airport’s $44.7m dividend returned to the City

Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL) has delivered another year of strong performance, with growth in revenue, profit, dividends and passenger numbers, alongside an expanded asset base.

Highlights
•    Total revenue $271.2 million – up 10% on FY24
•    Underlying profit after tax $49.7 million – up 19% on FY24
•    Total declared annual dividend $44.7 million – up $7.1 million on FY24
•    Total passengers 6.39 million (Domestic: 4.83m, International: 1.56m) – up 2.3% on FY24
•    Stronger trans-Tasman schedule, including a new direct service to Cairns.
•    Southern Hemisphere’s first electric fire truck introduced.
•    Winner of the Airports Council International’s Green Airports Recognition Award 2025
•    Complete reinvention of the food, beverage and retail mix
Chief Executive Justin Watson said the results highlight the success of the airport’s diversified strategy and focus on delivering value to customers and shareholders.

“Our performance shows the strength of our planes, passengers, property and planet strategy. Despite sector headwinds, we’ve grown passenger numbers, strengthened our balance sheet and advanced our sustainability commitments.”

As 75% majority shareholder, Christchurch City Council will receive a $33.5 million dividend through its investment arm, Christchurch City Holdings Limited. With the remaining $11.2 million being paid to the crown.

The airport’s property portfolio remains a cornerstone of its financial resilience, with 98% occupancy. Major new developments with Pratt & Whitney, DHL and Christchurch tech firm Enatel are underway, adding to what is already the South Island’s largest centre of employment , home to over 7000 jobs and 250 businesses.

The overall investment property portfolio is now valued at $858m, up from $785m last year.

Board Chair Sarah Ottrey said the airport’s results continue to benefit the whole region.

“We remain one of the most important economic engines for both our city and the South Island. These results show how the airport delivers real value, not just in dividends, but also in jobs, connections and sustainable growth for our communities.” 

International passengers grew 11%, thanks to new long-haul capacity from China Southern, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines along with stronger trans-Tasman services from the Qantas Group.

Despite a national domestic downturn, the airport has held steady domestic numbers and will launch a new Hamilton jet route next month.

Meanwhile, construction of Kōwhai Park, the airport’s 230-hectare solar farm, is underway to be completed in Q3 of 2026, it will produce the equivalent of enough electricity for 36,000 homes.

Full report available at 0830 27 Aug - https://www.nzx.com/companies/CHC/announcements?year=2025